Electronics giant Sony has ended its title sponsorship of the WTA Premier Mandatory and ATP Masters Miami tournament, according to a report published at Sports Business Daily website.
Sony has been the title sponsor of the joint ATP/WTA tournament for the past eight years and this is considered to be the third largest tennis event in the US after the US Open in New York and BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Tournament Senior VP/Marketing & TV Wendy Elkin wrote in an email stating that “Sony has opted out of their title renewal but may still be connected with the Miami event.” Elkin also added that they are close to finding a new title sponsor for the event.
Meanwhile, sports apparel company Fila opted out as the official apparel and sneaker of the event. According to the report, the tournament is seeking triple the annual $300,000 fee for this category which led to Fila’s decision to pull out.
Due to the absence of title sponsor, the tournament is temporarily named Miami Open.
